Currie trial reveals a flawed political system

A court will decide whether State Sen. Ulysses Currie is innocent or guilty. But it's clear that that a system that allows a legislator to be personally compensated for assisting a taxpayer — be it an individual, partnership, corporation or other entity — is seriously flawed.

Helping constituents is what legislators are supposed to do, and who can pay more should not be a factor. And no legislator should also be a paid consultant or employee of any entity for which they might influence legislation.

If nothing else, I hope Senator Currie's trial sparks laws prohibiting legislators from receiving such payments, regardless of whether they report the earnings.